Uckfield student in an induced coma after collapsing at college

An Uckfield Community College student who was rushed to hospital ‘in a serious condition’ last week remains in an induced coma.

Joshua Efford had just finished his computing GCSE and was waiting to leave the examination room when he collapsed at around 10.55am on Wednesday, June 3.

The 16-year-old was having difficulty breathing before suffering a cardiac arrest. The South East Coast Ambulance Service gave instructions over the phone so that CPR could be administered while paramedics and police officers rushed to the scene.

Although an air ambulance also attended, the teenager was taken by road to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, in Brighton, where he remains in an induced coma today (Monday, June 8).

His mum, Kathryn Efford, took to Facebook to thank the college staff. She said: “Joshua had a cardiac arrest and is in a induced coma at the moment. He is still with us thanks to the wonderful staff at UCTC. He will be having detailed scans tomorrow. Thank you all for your kind words.”

Janice Hazeldene Moorey added: “My lad caught him as he fell towards his table and was obviously quite traumatised, but once again the school not only looked after the poor lad but my son as well. We are all sending positive thoughts and love to him and his family.”

A statement released by Uckfield Community College this afternoon said: “A student at Uckfield Community College was taken seriously ill on Wednesday, June 3. He had finished his Computing GCSE and was waiting to leave the examination room when he collapsed.

“Paramedics attended to him and took him to hospital by ambulance. An air ambulance came to the site but was not used. He was stable on the day and remains stable in hospital.”

Headteacher, Hugh Hennebry, added: “The boy and his family are in the thoughts and hearts of all our students, staff and parents. We all wish him a speedy and full recovery.”

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